IMAGINE IF WE COULD FLY: The Colourful, Compassionate World of Kanj Nicholas
With a paintbrush in one hand and curiosity in the other, Wolverhampton-based artist and illustrator Kanj Nicholas is on a mission to help children and the grown-ups who guide them rediscover the magic of creativity. Her debut children’s book, Imagine If We Could Fly, is a riot of colour, imagination and emotion - combining delicate watercolours and a heartfelt story to inspire young minds to dream freely and fearlessly.
A Sri Lankan-born, multidisciplinary visual artist, Kanj’s work spans watercolours, felting, oil painting, ceramics and textiles. Nature plays a central role in her practice, drawing on childhood memories, garden moments, and her deep respect for cultural and spiritual symbolism. Now, with her new book, she turns her attention to encouraging the next generation to make their mark, messily, playfully and without fear of failure.
“A desire has grown in me to encourage young children, parents and educators to explore creativity freely and without fear of making mistakes or a need for perfection. I wanted to spread the message that every child deserves the space to explore, the room to create and make a mess…”
A Book Born Through Painting
Although Kanj is a visual storyteller at heart, writing Imagine If We Could Fly pushed her beyond her comfort zone. But it was in that uncertainty that a new approach emerged, one that put painting first and let the story follow. “I wondered, what if I painted my story instead? What if I trusted the process, in the hope that the words would follow?... I picked up my brushes and began to paint my story!”
The words emerged slowly, organically, alongside the illustrations. With support from storyteller Sal Tonge, written into her Arts Council project, and fellow artist Alex Vann, who helped shape the final product, the book blossomed into a sensitive and joyful tale of five characters discovering friendship, creativity and acceptance.
“Along this journey, I’ve learnt of the power of collaboration with other artists. Working with others expands our practice and makes the journey richer…” Finding Voice Through Colour and Play Bold colours, playful forms, and joyful detail are hallmarks of Kanj’s artistic style—qualities shaped by her Sri Lankan heritage and her textile design training inAustralia. “Every stroke of the brush, every mark made with a tool and every choice of colour is informed by a deep connection with my roots and my identity.” The style used in Imagine If We Could Fly emerged through reconnecting with her inner child, a liberating act of artistic play. It’s this same freedom she hopes to share with others. “It has developed and grown from giving myself permission to experiment and play. I feel like a doorway to something completely new has opened to me, and I’m excited to see where it takes me.”
Characters Close to the Heart
The book’s main characters - a little girl and a tiger- carry personal meaning for Kanj. The girl is inspired by her daughter, and the tiger is a powerful metaphor for difference and acceptance. “Tigers are perceived as fierce animals to be feared. Tiger is a deaf character and is afraid of being different to everyone else. However, Anya’s reaction is not one of fear, but of curiosity and love.”
Wolverhampton Roots, Global Reach
Living in a conservation area in Wolverhampton, Kanj finds daily inspiration in nature, whether it’s her garden, allotment, or the nearby reserves where she walks. Exhibiting at Wolverhampton Art Gallery marked a significant milestone in her career, giving her work greater visibility. “It was a pivotal point in my career and a proud moment for me!” While she’s focused on getting Imagine If We Could Fly into as many hands as possible, Kanj hints at the possibility of a sequel. The characters are full of life, and their adventures may have only just begun. “I am hopeful there will be a second book in time, as I can see the possibilities of a series of adventures for my five friends!”
Advice for Aspiring Artists
Kanj is quick to acknowledge the challenges artists face, especially in finding their voice or overcoming self-doubt. But she also speaks from experience when she encourages others to trust their path. “Celebrate the victories! See your goals as a journey, a series of little steps, which all lead you closer to achieving the desires of your heart.” And for those still finding their way? “It’s ok to take time to figure out your own path and a process that works for you. Collaborate with other artists or writers. We can’t be good at everything.” Kanj Nicholas’s work is a colourful act of healing, connection, and creative bravery.
In Imagine If We Could Fly, she offers children and adults a gentle invitation to embrace the unknown, trust their instincts, and believe in the beauty of their own imagination.
You can follow Kanj on Instagram here and visit her website here.